OPINION: NFL anthem policy protects pockets, not patriotism

Fans and players were reacting Wednesday to the NFL decision to ban kneeling during the national anthem. The policy requires players to stand during "The Star-Spangled Banner" or be absent from the field while it's played. (May 24)
AP

On Wednesday, National Football League owners revised their policy for the pregame national anthem ceremony. The new ordinance requires all personnel to stand during the performance.

The revision also permits players who do not wish to participate in the ritual to remain in the locker room. Players who violate the policy will incur a fine against their teams.

Owners who supported the revision sought to stifle players who kneeled during the anthem through the previous two seasons. Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick initiated the demonstrations in 2016 to raise awareness on police brutality and racial injustice. Several players followed Kaepernick's lead, and a rousing conversation ensued.

But it was not the conversation Kaepernick intended to broach. Many players, coaches, fans, analysts and media members who had no interest in discussing racial injustice or police accountability quickly dismissed the demonstrations as an egregious affront toward the military. Many people who had no previous interest in the NFL also voiced their disapproval. Loudly.

Detractors, including President Donald Trump, also spoke with their remotes. They contributed to the NFL's already declining television ratings. They refrained from purchasing tickets and merchandise at the same rate.

Thus, owners hardened their policy, not necessarily out of disdain for the players' actions, but to protect their brands and bottom lines. This was not about patriotism. It was not about racial injustice. It was not about police.

It was about money.

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President Trump says "Maybe You Shouldn't Be In The Country" if you kneel during National Anthem.
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NFL owners acted in the best interest of their businesses. This will not necessarily end the protests, but it appeases disgruntled viewers and advertisers who criticized the league for permitting them.

“We want people to be respectful to the national anthem,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. “We want people to stand... and make sure they treat this moment in a respectful fashion. That’s something we think we owe. We have been very sensitive in making sure we give players choices, but we do believe that moment is important.”

The flag is a cherished symbol. The anthem is a cherished tradition. Most Americans revere that time of reflection. That is why the protests were so effective in gripping attention.

The problem was the conversation never moved past the controversy. The perceived disrespect permitted folks to disregard the impetus. The irony of the controversy is that Kaepernick adjusted his stance to exhibit respect for the military.

He initially demonstrated during the anthem at a 2016 preseason game, by sitting on a bench away from his teammates. Two weeks later, Army veteran and former NFL player Nate Boyer wrote an open letter to Kaepernick in the Army Times. Boyer disliked Kaepernick's method but respected his motives.

Kaepernick met with Boyer and acknowledged the miscalculation of sitting alone. He accepted Boyer's suggestion of kneeling instead.

"We sort of came to a middle ground," Boyer said in an interview with HBO. "Soldiers take a knee in front of a fallen brother's grave, to show respect."

In an ensuing game, Kaepernick kneeled — beside Boyer, who stood proudly with his hand over his heart. Boyer posted a photo of his visit with Kaepernick. The caption read, "Thanks for the invite brother... Good talk. Let's just keep moving forward. This is what America should be all about."

Boyer is correct. America should be all about understanding, compassion and compromise. But not all of America is there yet. Many NFL fans were convinced that the protests were unforgivable, ungrateful offenses against the military. One of Boyer's friends from the Green Berets called him a disgrace.

The controversy was bolstered by the shallow coverage of the issue, which became a simple pre-game roll call with little context and even less substance. Kaepernick became a free agent in 2017 and stated that he would not continue protesting during the anthem that season. Nevertheless, presumably fearful of backlash, no team signed him.

Kaepernick continued raising funds and organizing community service programs. Other players continued the protests. The debate dwindled until later that season when Trump doused it with gasoline and lit it with a flamethrower.

He repeatedly asserted that protesting players should be fired. He encouraged offended fans to boycott the NFL.

The league's declining television ratings worsened by disgruntled viewers who followed Trump's suggestion. And by opposing, but equally disgruntled, viewers who believed Kaepernick had been blackballed unfairly.

The cycle of less qualified players signed ahead of Kaepernick became indefensible and then laughable. His unemployment further revealed owner's aversion to anything that threatened to disrupt revenue.

They believed the protests were bad for business. The players have a constitutional right to protest, but as a collection of private companies, the NFL has the right to craft restrictive policies to protect its pockets.

Players will be vilified for remaining in the locker room. Owners will be condemned for paying fines for players. Teams who show solidarity and forgo the anthem will be booed.

This will not happen in the future on an NFL sideline.(Photo: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports)

Yet, the revised policy should not surprise players. Nor should it dismay them. True protest does not need permission. If their passion and motives are pure, they will persist. Long after the final note of the "Star Spangled Banner."

These demonstrations may not endure, but a productive conversation must. If we continue shouting aimlessly across the stadium about the anthem, we will not grow any closer to understanding, compassion or camaraderie.